Episodes

Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Welcome to episode 193 of Travel Is Back, where we’re soaking up the sun in Gulf Shores, Alabama! Join Johnny Mac as he unveils the best things to do in this coastal gem, perfect for your next getaway. Discover why Gulf Shores is a must-visit destination for beach lovers and foodies alike, with its stunning white-sand beaches and vibrant local culture. In this episode, we dive into the top Gulf Shores travel tips, from indulging in fresh seafood at local favorites like The Hangout to exploring ...

Travel Is Back episode 192. Johnny Mac heads to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Whispers of Waves and Coastal Charm. Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Travel Is Back episode 191. Johnny Mac heads to Outer Banks, North Carolina. Secrets of Sand, Surf, and Serenity. Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Travel Is Back episode 190. Johnny Mac heads to Bend, Oregon. Nature's Playground: Adventure Awaits in Bend. Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Travel Is Back episode 189. Johnny Mac heads to Olympic Peninsula, Washington. Nature's Majesty: Discovering Olympic Peninsula Wonders. Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Travel Is Back episode 188. Johnny Mac heads to Columbia River Gorge. Nature's Masterpiece: Waterfalls and Wonders Await. Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Travel Is Back episode 188. Johnny Mac heads to Columbia River Gorge. Chasing Waterfalls and Whispering Winds. Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Travel Is Back episode 188. Johnny Mac heads to Columbia River Gorge. Whispers of Waterfalls and Wild Landscapes. Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Travel Is Back episode 187. Johnny Mac heads to Portland, Oregon. Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Travel Is Back episode 187. Johnny Mac heads to Portland, Oregon. Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Travel Is Back episode 187. Johnny Mac heads to Portland, Oregon. Discover Portland: Nature, Craft, and Quirk. Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

Travel Is Back episode 186. Johnny Mac takes you to Baltimore — the port city that quietly defies every expectation. From the cobblestone streets of Fells Point to the crab houses of Locust Point, the Walters Art Museum to Fort McHenry, Baltimore is blue-collar and cultured, rough around the edges and unexpectedly beautiful. A city that reveals itself slowly, in layers — and rewards every single one.

Travel Is Back episode 186. Johnny Mac takes you to Baltimore — the port city that quietly defies every expectation. From the cobblestone streets of Fells Point to the crab houses of Locust Point, the Walters Art Museum to Fort McHenry, Baltimore is blue-collar and cultured, rough around the edges and unexpectedly beautiful. A city that reveals itself slowly, in layers — and rewards every single one.

Experience Big Bear Lake when the snow melts and the mountains open up for summer recreation. Johnny Mac rides the Alpine Slide (and survives the lines), finds the perfect yellow hoodie at the local running store, indulges in ice cream at North Pole Ice Cream & Fudge, and discovers that a simple chicken sandwich at Social Kitchen & Lounge becomes transcendent when accompanied by a two-person band (plus dog) playing Tom Petty covers. Explore how this accessible mountain town delivers genuine alpi...

Some drives are destinations themselves. Johnny Mac tackles California State Route 18, the mountain road that climbs nearly 5,000 feet in thirty miles using switchbacks so numerous that counting them becomes futile. Experience the challenge of the Rim of the World Highway as it hauls you from San Bernardino's valley floor to Big Bear Lake at 7,000 feet, passing through multiple ecosystems and testing both your driving skills and your vehicle's capabilities. Learn why those brake check warnings m...

Discover the Venice that most tourists miss – the actual canals that Abbot Kinney built in 1905, hidden just blocks from the boardwalk's chaos. Johnny Mac explores these unexpected European waterways before heading to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, where trendy boutiques, vegan restaurants, and coffee culture define modern Venice. From the quiet reflection of morning on the canals to the curated commerce of the boulevard to the carnival atmosphere of the beach, Venice compresses California's contradict...

Step into Grand Central Market, the historic food hall that's been feeding Los Angeles since 1917. Johnny Mac guides you through the chaos and culture of this downtown landmark, from the moment you spot The Donut Man and that legendary Devil's Food donut to the perfect coffee pairing at nearby Blue Bottle. Explore vendor stalls spanning generations and continents – Sarita's Pupuseria serving the same food since 1976, Eggslut's Instagram-famous breakfast, Villa Moreliana's perfect carnitas, and e...

The Channel Islands, where isolation meets adventure and California exists as it did before freeways and cities. Johnny Mac explores these remote islands accessible only by boat from Ventura Harbor, from the dramatic cliff-top trails of Anacapa to the sea caves and endemic island foxes of Santa Cruz. Discover world-class kayaking, snorkeling in kelp forests, primitive camping under stars you forgot existed, and hiking where the only sounds are waves and seabirds. Learn what it takes to reach the...

Welcome to one of California's most audacious experiments – a Danish village complete with windmills and half-timbered buildings, built in a valley where summer temperatures hit the nineties. Johnny Mac explores Solvang's pastries at packed Mortensen's Bakery, authentic sausages and German beer at Copenhagen Sausage Garden, year-round Christmas shopping, and live music at Solvang Park featuring Angie and the Nightmares. Discover why this theatrical town works despite (or because of) its absurdit...

Some drives are destinations themselves. Join Johnny Mac on California Highway 154, the San Marcos Pass Road that climbs from coastal Santa Barbara into the mountains, through Los Padres National Forest, and down into wine country. Stop at Cachuma Lake for canoe rentals and wildlife watching, experience the dramatic landscape changes from chaparral to forest to vineyards, and understand why this 30-mile journey reveals more about California's geography than any freeway ever could. This is drivin...

When the sun sets in Santa Barbara, head to the Funk Zone – a converted warehouse district where wine bars, craft breweries, and live music create the city's most vibrant nightlife. Johnny Mac guides you through Friday night in this creative neighborhood, from wine tasting at Validation Bar with live music to craft beers at Figueroa Mountain Brewing, margaritas at Finney's, and ice cream at McConnell's. Discover why this gritty, artistic corner proves Santa Barbara is more than just country club...

Discover why Santa Barbara occupies a unique sweet spot on the California coast – not quite LA, not quite San Francisco, with a climate and character all its own. Johnny Mac explores the city in daylight, starting with exceptional donuts at Tyler's in Carpinteria, then hitting the south-facing beaches that make Santa Barbara special. Learn the secret to parking on Stearns Wharf (yes, you can drive onto the pier!), find out why there's more parking than you think, and explore the understated weal...